Author Archives: Chris Cantu

GE Power’s Automation & Controls business announced the release of dual redundancy capability on its PACSystems RX3i CPE400 outcome optimizing controller. Building on GE’s controls leadership and expertise in deploying mission-critical solutions, the CPE400 is designed to function in rugged, high-temperature environments where a compact footprint with high-performance is essential....

Achieving American energy dominance moved one step closer with the approval of Arctic exploration operations on the Outer Continental Shelf for the first time in more than two years. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement approved an Application for Permit to Drill Tuesday. Eni US Operating Co. submitted the application in August. Drilling the exploratory well from a man-made artificial island in the Beaufort Sea is expected to start as early as this December...

Frigstad Offshore has initiated a tender process with shipyards in Asia to price a new generation harsh environment semi-submersible drilling rig. The Frigstad D90 AWD design has been developed over the last two years by affiliate Frigstad Engineering to take advantage of latest technology developments, meeting end client and environmental requirements of the future. The Frigstad D90 AWD is designed as a highly versatile and efficient tool for “all water drilling,” both in harsh and benign environments and in water depths ranging from 350 to 14,000 ft. Harald Frigstad, Chairman and Owner of Frigstad Group, commented, “We have seen an increased demand among oil companies for larger and more efficient drilling units. The recent downturn has pushed the industry to ...

Nabors Industries reported the commencement of operations of Saudi Aramco Nabors Drilling Company (SANAD), the previously announced 50/50 joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Nabors. SANAD is one of the anchor projects that has emerged from Saudi Arabia’s efforts to introduce world-class industry hubs locally, in order to foster economic growth and job creation...

Maersk Drilling has entered into a jackup alliance agreement with Aker BP. The alliance is founded on a unique tripartite collaboration model that also includes service provider Halliburton. The alliance aims at lowering the cost per barrel for Aker BP and increasing profitability for the alliance partners...

Maersk Drilling has been awarded a new major contract in the North Sea for the combined drilling and production jackup Mærsk Inspirer by Repsol.
With an estimated duration of five years and options for up to an additional five years, the contract covers drilling and production on the Yme New Development in Norway. Following modification work to the production module, the contract is expected to commence operations on the Yme field as early as Q4 2019...

Perceptions matter, and there continue to be major disconnects between how the oil and gas industry perceives itself and public perceptions. In a presentation at the 2017 IADC Annual General Meeting in Austin, Texas, on 9 November, Deborah Byers, US Oil and Gas Leader for EY, presented results from the company’s Oil and Gas Perception Poll, conducted early this year. A total of 1,204 Americans ages 16 and older were surveyed, along with 109 oil and gas executives. The findings illuminate the need to change public perception to secure the future of the industry. Watch the video to learn about the survey’s results...

A cybersecurity table-top exercise was held at the office of the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement in New Orleans on 8 August, with strong participation from drilling contractors. Objectives for the exercise included discussing procedures for sharing information, exercising cyber incident notification procedures and examining plans/procedures for elevating the maritime security level of a cyber incident, said Captain Joshua Reynolds, US Coast Guard District 8 Outer Continental Shelf OCMI. In DC’s video with Captain Reynolds from the 2017 IADC Annual General Meeting in Austin, Texas, on 10 November, he explains the scope of the table-top exercise and key findings that resulted, as well as a critical recommendation for drilling contractors looking to improve their cybersecurity. Watch the video to learn more...

The IADC Supply Chain Committee, established in 2013 as a drillers-only group, is now inviting non-drilling contractors to participate in upcoming meetings and bring new ideas for projects, said Ensco’s Jorge Lebrija, who serves as Chairman of the committee. The purpose of the Supply Chain Committee is to facilitate the exchange of ideas, knowledge sharing and interaction amongst drilling contractors, suppliers and other IADC groups, with the aim of implementing best practices for the betterment of the drilling industry. “It’s about the implementation of best practices and standardization,” Mr Lebrija said at the 2017 IADC Annual General Meeting in Austin, Texas, on 9 November. “We’re not here to reinvent the wheel.”..

The IADC Board of Directors elected Steven Brady, Senior VP – Eastern Hemisphere of Ensco, as its 2018 Chairman on 9 November. In addition, Kevin Neveu, President and CEO of Precision Drilling, was elected as Vice Chairman. Scott McReaken, CEO and Director of Sevan Drilling, was reelected as Secretary/Treasurer....